Self-care isn’t selfish — self-care isn’t self-indulgent. Self-care is a MUST for everyone on any given day — when we practice self-care, we’re attending to our needs to better attend to the needs of others.

Although I haven’t been doing much, I have been feeling depleted, and I’ve been unable to sleep. I realized that being stuck at home and not being able to do the things that are meaningful to me has left me feeling unbalanced and out of sorts.

Self-care is more valuable now than ever. And practicing self-care has helped me to feel a bit more balanced, and I’m better able to better support and care for the people that matter to me.

There are several great benefits of self-care

• Gets us better in touch with our emotions
• Decrease stress and gives us more significant levels of relaxation
• Access higher levels of energy
• Increase our productivity
• Increase our inner peace

What self-care means for me

When I practice self-care, my main goal is to take care of myself — I want to be able to relax, empowered, and gain a sense of aliveness. Self-care puts me more touch with myself — I’m able to be true to myself and my needs. I’m more honest with myself. I listen honestly to my mind, emotions, and body.

My self-care routine falls into one of two categories:  non-negotiable and luxury. My non-negotiable are my basics — it’s the things I do to keep me sane and allow me to be the very best version of myself. It’s reading, journaling daily, a facial mask every other day, my twice-weekly baths,  moving my body, meditation, yoga, etc.. My luxuries are my monthly facials, monthly massage (this one is a non-negotiable for me as well but a lux), monthly acupuncture, etc.

Since our new normal doesn’t allow several of the things I enjoy — I’ve ramped up my skin-care routine. Don’t think for one-second self-care has to be a big to-do or expensive. Anything can be a form of self-care — it’s genuinely about bringing the attention back to yourself (focusing on me time).  I believe skin-care is the perfect self-care opportunity — it makes our skin healthy, and it’s an actual act of wellness.

Practice dry brushing your body.

Dry brushing, it’s simple — you take a dry firm bristle brush and brush your entire body upwards from your toes to your head. Be sure to brush towards your heart. Dry brushing is typical in Ayurvedic medicine; however, it’s also popular in many other cultures, including Ancient Greek, as a means to cleanse and make the body beautiful. I dry brush my body daily in the morning before I shower. You don’t need an expensive brush — I’ve seen great options at Rite Aid and Target. This one from Amazon is similar to the one I currently use, which I bought on Amazon; however, some do have handles — it’s a matter of preference.

Dry brushing is said to detoxify and exfoliate the body. It helps to eliminate toxins and stimulate the lymphatic system. Increases circulation and aids digestion. I feel great when I do it, and my body is well exfoliated, which helps my body lotion absorbs better.

Give yourself a facial massage

Using a facial roller to give yourself a gentle facial massage is a lovely treat. I use a flawless facial roller that I received as a present. I use my roller to massage my facial serum or oil into my face for five to ten minutes each night. And if I am not in the mood to use it at night, I use it in the AM for an excellent morning massage by placing it in the fridge the night before.

Facial rollers are said to have excellent benefits such as lymphatic drainage, smooths fine lines, and reduce puffiness. I simply love the feel of it, and to me, my face looks more awake. Mine is Rose quartz; however, there are many different types of stone, styles, and price points.

Make sleep time special.

The one thing that has helped me to get better sleep is my Slip silk sleep mask. Being unable to sleep has completely thrown off my body. Getting sleep is a necessity — getting quality sleep now, that will change your life. It’s essential to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. You will have fantastic energy, and you will be in better moods. Of course, always be sure to practice good bed hygiene, change your bedsheet a minimum of once a week, have good quality comfortable pillows and mattresses. You can also find a cute sleep mask at Rite aid or Target or Amazon — again, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive.

Relax with a facial mask and create a calming atmosphere with a soothing room spray.

I give myself a face mask every other night — some nights, I do two masks. Especially Sunday nights, I would apply a detox mask for 15 minutes, wash my face then apply a hydrating mask. Masking is the perfect self-care, I set the mood by spraying a mood spray in my bathroom, and I take a deep breath. I wash my face, then use a gentle exfoliating scrub and apply my mask. I then move to my living-room, spray the room, and sit for my evening meditation of 10 minutes. Other times I go to my bedroom, spray the room, and lay down for 20 minutes while my mask does the work. I get my face masks from Sephora, Amazon, (this particular cleared up my skin its an excellent option), Target, Rite Aid and Duane Reade (some of my faves). There are also five and ten minutes masks do what works for you. You may have children and not have the luxury of doing a 20-minute mask.

There are so many options when it comes to face masks and several price points. I mixed it up with all the time.

Kick-back with a fabulous bath

I love baths; they are my ultimate self-care. I love natural Edson salt baths, or I like to add a few drops of essential oils. There are several types of baths, including bubble baths (I don’t do bubble baths — it’s a matter of preference. Some of my favorites are here, here, here, here, and here. I light a candle or a few and soak for 20 desiccant minutes. I believe baths spice up your self-care, but make sure you hydrate after.

Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate

I’m not just saying drink more water because I hate water, and saying hate is not an exaggeration. That was until I changed my perspective on hydration. Hydration doesn’t only mean drinking water, although we sometimes need water. I stumbled on a book call Quench, which completely changed my perspective on hydration, and I no longer think of hydration as a chore. My preference is sparkling water (Perrier is my favorite in lime flavor); however, I now drink regular water as well I simply jazz it up a bit. I add chia seed or fresh berries or lemon other times I add sunflower seeds or fresh mint or basil or some grated ginger root. Having a fabulous reusable bottle helps a lot — cause it’s cute. I also hydration my face daily by using this every time I wash my face. It’s luxurious and affordable.

Unwind before bed with a night-time ritual

Sometimes it’s difficult to relax at night — although many of us are at home we still can’t relax. A foot massage just before bed promotes calmness and relaxation. The upside is you do it yourself. Grab your favorite oil, sit on the edge of your bed, spread a small towel, and give yourself a fabulous massage. I use coconut oil, this grapeseed oil, or this foot lotion (that is sold out right now) or sometimes this body butter. Whatever you choose, it will be an enjoyable experience. And here is a little video to get you started — truly heaven.

Remember, true self-care does not have to cost a dime, and overhauling your skin-care and beauty routine to experience self-care is not expensive either. You can use products you already own — it really about your mindset and you being honest with what you need to feel cared for by YOU. Self-care is for YOU, it’s not selfish and believe it or not caring for you makes you more available to care for your loved ones, especially during this time. Start today be honest about your needs, if you need to ask your kids, husband or partner for an hour — it will make the world of difference.

As always I’m sending love – be safe Dahlings

Cheers

XXOO

Nat

Articles like this one are written to offer practical advice, provide some entertainment, foster a sense of social cohesion, and remind to us that life is still wonderful during these strange and isolating times.

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